Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Crete

Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean, Crete, is a favourite for families and those just seeking to escape normalcy. The island offers stunning beaches, impressive mountains and museums that take visitors on journeys back to the Bronze Age. Greek mythology suggests that Zeus – the King of the Gods – was born on Crete. Offering 199 rooms and 52 suites set over two floors, the Blue Palace is among the finest properties on the island. Sitting on 143 acres of lush, verdant grounds, the resort has a pebble beach and amazing views over the Aegean Sea and Spinalonga Island – a former leper colony. The international airport in Heraklion – the island capital – is 72 kilometres away – around an hour by car. Guests wishing to arrive in style can use the resort’s helipad.

 Blue Palace offers a children’s club that includes a swimming pool. There are three other pools and of course, the private beach. The Spa offers treatments, steam baths, Jacuzzi and there is a fitness centre. With five restaurants and two bars, the resort offers its guests a range of culinary choices. Isola serves Italian cuisine, Olea - a buffet breakfast and dinner, Asia Deep Blue is – as the name suggests – seafood with an Oriental twist, Anthós offers Greek cuisine but the Blue Door is unique. Set in a converted fisherman’s hut, guests can enjoy freshly-caught seafood, prepared in traditional fashion.